Sarnia Sting 2022-23 Season Thread

[Dougie Daryl Clark]

I'd be with you if I had great confidence in the '04 or '05 class. the 2004 class (Sinclair's last draft) was/is a full fledged disaster. Namestnikov 3rd overall = didn't live up. Morden 2nd round = didn't report. McIntyre 3rd round = Didn't develop. Casey 4th round = didn't come. Eveleigh 5th round = didn't develop. Filak, Harper & Grover are the only guys we have left from that draft.

The '05 class (covid year so I cut some slack was crapshoot) has some good players in MacDonell, Daviault, Wainwright, but they didn't get much else. Lalkin in the 2nd sucked, Tierman hasn't shown anything, Perreault going NCAA, Degelas still a work in progress, Thomas NCAA.

I just don't have as much confidence in that group as I do in Voit, Burke, Mast, Gaudreau, Vilmanis, Lantz, Dillingham, Ritchie & now Pastujov.

You're right though that they don't have overly enticing pieces to sell next year to recoup picks. Be Romeo, Sikic, Vilmanis & maybe 19 year olds like Filak & Hoover. They'll get back two 2nds, two 3rds, 4th & 5th from the Moldenhaur trade + we still currently have three 2nds, 3rd, four 4ths, three 5ths. Don't think we'll use all of it so it's not like we have nothing.

For me you go for it now then next year it's all about ice time for Martone, Fischer, Doherty, Campbell, Chartier, Hall, Young along with their 1st rounder in the upcoming draft & whoever else makes the team or surprises while guys like MacDonell, Daviault, Wainwright, Filak, Hoover take that next step as veterans.

Then the following year your fairly competitive as the '06 class is 18, '05 class is 19, Filak hopefully a solid OA & whoever we take this yr is 17. Then that next year (I know im getting so far ahead) if they aren't in the pros, MacDonell, Daviault are stud OAs, Martone is an absolute animal as a 19 yr old (if he's back) & hopefully the other '06s I've mentioned also take good steps & are legitimate impactful players at 19. Then you have a strong core with 9-10-11-12 guys who've been around awhile along with whoever else we draft in the next 2 years in the O draft & import draft & whoever we add via trade in the coming seasons.

Understand your reservations, especially with this team/org. If (and probably when) they choke this April it's gonna make it worse knowing the next few years won't be overly exciting but god damnit it's been to long & this was the time iMO.

Just how I see it. Sorry for the novel haha.

Great post. However, I have heard rumblings that Perreault is a very real possibility next year. Would be a seriously good add as he is currently ranked as a late 1st Rd pick.

 

[Ferda11]

Great post. However, I have heard rumblings that Perreault is a very real possibility next year. Would be a seriously good add as he is currently ranked as a late 1st Rd pick.

I've also heard similar things. From the start, it was the impression that Perreault would be reporting for the 2023/2024 season. That has not changed to my knowledge.

 

[StingUpdates]

That would be a very nice addition. Would still be slightly surprising considering he just committed to NCAA.

Unfortunate he won't just come now! Lol.

 

[JAMER]

I find it odd that the observer still hasn't put out an article about the trade yesterday kinda makes me wonder if something is still going on just a thought

On a different note I've also noticed the Grover is not listed on the Stings roster anymore I would say it's a typo but every time someone's name has been left off the roster they've been let go

 

[StingUpdates]

I find it odd that the observer still hasn't put out an article about the trade yesterday kinda makes me wonder if something is still going on just a thought

On a different note I've also noticed the Grover is not listed on the Stings roster anymore I would say it's a typo but every time someone's name has been left off the roster they've been let go

They have: Sting get high-scoring Pastujov from Storm for Namestnikov, four picks

I like a lot of what he said. Completely agree about not waiting. I'm glad that he seems very proactive about things we lack/are struggling with.

Said it's "very likely" they add again. Be fun to see who & when & for what. Flint has loaded up on picks so they are about to add a number of guys I think. OS just added a D. Gotta think some east teams get aggressive too. There's not a ton of options for legit T6 Fs so it may become a bidding war.

 

[JAMER]

They have: Sting get high-scoring Pastujov from Storm for Namestnikov, four picks

I like a lot of what he said. Completely agree about not waiting. I'm glad that he seems very proactive about things we lack/are struggling with.

Said it's "very likely" they add again. Be fun to see who & when & for what. Flint has loaded up on picks so they are about to add a number of guys I think. OS just added a D. Gotta think some east teams get aggressive too. There's not a ton of options for legit T6 Fs so it may become a bidding war.

My bad I don't know how I missed it

 

[StingUpdates]

Should be an interesting one tonight. Windsor coming off their first real bad loss of the season at home vs LDN so you know they'll be fired up.

We gotta be pretty pumped after the Pastujov trade, Mast returning + Fischer signing. But we still are missing 3D & didn't have any practice time with the new lines/pairs.

Hoping for a W, but know they might be against it a bit. Should be a fun one.

 

[Texcanuck]

I’ll be interested to see if Martone’s performance in the tournament gets him an audition for a T6 spot…
Sure looks like he plays well with good linemates.

 

[StingUpdates]

I’ll be interested to see if Martone’s performance in the tournament gets him an audition for a T6 spot…
Sure looks like he plays well with good linemates.

Before getting Pastujov I wanted to see him get a shot on L2 but now I don't see him getting it unfortunately.

4 wingers ahead are Burke, Voit, Pastujov & Vilmanis. I'd like to see L3 be him, MacDonell & Filak but from there practice photos looked like Martone & Wainwright were on a line together whether that's L3 or L4 we'll find out.

 

[Ferda11]

Before getting Pastujov I wanted to see him get a shot on L2 but now I don't see him getting it unfortunately.

4 wingers ahead are Burke, Voit, Pastujov & Vilmanis. I'd like to see L3 be him, MacDonell & Filak but from there practice photos looked like Martone & Wainwright were on a line together whether that's L3 or L4 we'll find out.

I’d try and find a way to get Martone in the top 6 somehow honestly. Really think he could ride that hot streak from the u-17’s. I know there are logistical issues that would arise if that were to happen, maybe Voit to C?

Burke-Voit-Martone
Pastujov-Lantz-Vilmanis

 

[StingUpdates]

I’d try and find a way to get Martone in the top 6 somehow honestly. Really think he could ride that hot streak from the u-17’s. I know there are logistical issues that would arise if that were to happen, maybe Voit to C?

Burke-Voit-Martone
Pastujov-Lantz-Vilmanis

I'd be down! Just don't think we will. Letang relies a lot on Lantz & likes that trio a lot.

I'd love to see that 2nd line. Could be dynamite. Be a potential preview of what it would be if we acquire a legit 1C & bump Lantz down a spot.

 

[Dougie Daryl Clark]

I’d try and find a way to get Martone in the top 6 somehow honestly. Really think he could ride that hot streak from the u-17’s. I know there are logistical issues that would arise if that were to happen, maybe Voit to C?

Burke-Voit-Martone
Pastujov-Lantz-Vilmanis

Let's pump the brakes on Martone on Top line at the moment. He has ZERO goals in the OHL. That would piss me off if I was one of the other guys w 6 or 7 goals who don't get a chance up there.

 

[StingUpdates]

Burke-Lantz-Voit
Pastujov-Sikic-Vilmanis
Filak-MacDonell-Wainwright
Doucette-Way-Martone

Daviault-Mast
Ritchie-Young
Fischer-MacDonald

 

[Ferda11]

Let's pump the brakes on Martone on Top line at the moment. He has ZERO goals in the OHL. That would piss me off if I was one of the other guys w 6 or 7 goals who don't get a chance up there.

Fair enough. I just don’t see a better time to give it a try than right now. Ride the momentum of the tournament and see what happens. Doesn’t hurt.

 

[Texcanuck]

Martone with first.
Best period I’ve seen out of this team, maybe ever!!

 

[StingUpdates]

There we go!! Atta boy Martone. So deserved. Gaudreau some big stops. 2nd line is buzzing as is L3.

 

[Texcanuck]

I can’t believe they have Fischer’s name spelled wrong on his jersey. Aaaarrrghj.

 

[StingUpdates]

Messy period but its expected with such inexperienced D in. That 1st Wainwright penalty was awful. They've let so much ho & called that & it cost us a goal.

See if we can close it.

 

[Texcanuck]

Messy period but its expected with such inexperienced D in. That 1st Wainwright penalty was awful. They've let so much ho & called that & it cost us a goal.

See if we can close it.

Seems strange to me to have Young and MacDonald paired on the penalty kill. That’s a tall order.

 

[StingUpdates]

Great win!! Down 3 regular D they keep Windsor to 23 shots & only 4 in the 3rd! They were relentless in those final 5 minutes. Absolutely loved it!

I am loving this 3rd line w/11/12&19. They are everywhere! Non stop pressure, winning battles, creating chances. Letang put them out at the end & Filak draws a penalty.

2nd line was awesome. Pastujov made more of an impact tonight than Namestnikov did in any game this yr. Him & Vilmanis are gonna reek havok together. Sikic was also really solid.

Gotta love L4 getting two goals! Way sets up Martone & then Martone sets him up. Awesome awesome awesome.

Hats off to Fischer & Young! Vs an elite team they played really well. Had their mistakes but that was expected. I see why they are excited about Fischer. Gaudreau maybe finding his groove.. that's 3 of 4 good starts.

Big, big win. Arguably their best of the year.

 

[StormWatcher]

Great win!! Down 3 regular D they keep Windsor to 23 shots & only 4 in the 3rd! They were relentless in those final 5 minutes. Absolutely loved it!

I am loving this 3rd line w/11/12&19. They are everywhere! Non stop pressure, winning battles, creating chances. Letang put them out at the end & Filak draws a penalty.

2nd line was awesome. Pastujov made more of an impact tonight than Namestnikov did in any game this yr. Him & Vilmanis are gonna reek havok together. Sikic was also really solid.

Gotta love L4 getting two goals! Way sets up Martone & then Martone sets him up. Awesome awesome awesome.

Hats off to Fischer & Young! Vs an elite team they played really well. Had their mistakes but that was expected. I see why they are excited about Fischer. Gaudreau maybe finding his groove.. that's 3 of 4 good starts.

Big, big win. Arguably their best of the year.

Max with 4 points tonight (2 goals) on a line with Zhilkin and Poitras!!! Working out well for both teams!

 

[StingUpdates]

Max with 4 points tonight (2 goals) on a line with Zhilkin and Poitras!!! Working out well for both teams!

Good for him. Wish he could've done stuff even remotely close to that this yr, but a fresh start will be good for him.

 

[StormWatcher]

Good for him. Wish he could've done stuff even remotely close to that this yr, but a fresh start will be good for him.

I have lots of family in Sarnia so am always happy when the two are on friendly terms. It looks like this trade ignited a spark for both teams... a win for entertaining hockey.

 

[SarniaStingFan]

Anyone have an idea why Campbell was out tonight?

 

[StingUpdates]

You can always tell how much a teammate is liked by the reaction of the bench when they score. When Martone scored they went nuts. At the TV timeout Gaudreau came over & was so pumped for him. Porter has a super infectious personality on the ice. Big fan of him. Has all the tools to be a superstar for us.

While it was an "easy goal" for Pastujov that is the exact type of stuff that hasn't been going in for us. Up 1-0, outplaying the opponent but we miss on glorious looks sometimes even wide open nets & they come down & tie it up & it spirals. He does what he's known for & buries it putting us up 2. Great effort for the 3rd goal to by him. Was a lot more physical than I anticipated

It's huge that Voit & Burke don't have to produce for us to win. Though Voit does gotta pick it up a bit. Been a bad stretch for him imo. Not been his best. Forcing plays, passes. Not letting it come to him. Sure he'll break out in a big way.

Very quietly Way has 5 points in 11 games since coming over. That's great for a guy playing 4th line. Not expecting that pace but he's been real good for winning battles, throwing hits & killing time on PK/late game. 52% on FOs too. Very savvy move as they also got a draft pick with him.

Be interesting to see how Letang handles the goalies this weekend. Barrie is better, but Oshawa 3rd of a 3in3. I'd lean Gaudreau vs BAR, Surzycia vs OSH.

Anyone have an idea why Campbell was out tonight?

Gonna guess he was a healthy scratch with Fischer & Young in. He probably needed a rest too. Been a lot of hockey for him as a 16 yr old.